Each year as the holidays, a nanny’s birthday, or National Nanny Appreciation Week nears, a West Coast Baby Care family reaches out to ask, “What are some common gift ideas for nannies?”
There are standard gift ideas, and then there are really thoughtful gift ideas for nannies.
Why not take this opportunity to show your nanny just how much you value their incredible care, dedication, and love for your family? Whether it’s a special occasion, birthday, or holiday, a thoughtful gift can go a long way in expressing your gratitude.
As a nanny agency, our role is to make your life easier, RIGHT?!? To help you our, we’ve curated a list of 10 generous and thoughtful gift ideas for nannies that we think will make yours feel appreciated and valued. These options, covering a broad range of price points, are sure to brighten any nanny’s day!
1. Spa Day Gift Certificate
Nanny’s bodies and energy take a beating providing long hours of childcare. What better way to recognize how much they do for your children (and you) then to offer them a well-deserved day of pampering. Consider a gift certificate to a luxurious local spa where your nanny can enjoy a massage, facial, or even a full day of relaxation. Bonus Gift: Give them an extra paid day off and actually send them to the spa!
2. Personalized Jewelry
A custom piece of jewelry, like a necklace or bracelet engraved with their initials or a meaningful symbol, can be a beautiful and personal way to show your appreciation. Depending on your budget, shopping locally for either a beautiful high-quality piece or something more eclectic to match your nanny’s personality and style, your thoughtfulness won’t go unnoticed with such a timeless gift.
3. A Tote or Travel Bag
If you have a nanny who is always on the go or travels with you, a stylish, durable tote or travel bag is both practical and likely not something they’ll buy for themselves. Baggalini offers super functional purses, totes and cross bodies, while Dakine (started in Hawaii and now a Pacific Northwest based company) offers high-quality and affordable back packs and travel bags that can carry everything from diapers to daily essentials whether your nanny is on the clock or enjoying their day off.
4. A Smartwatch
Whether your nanny is keeping track of their steps, needs to know the time, or needs to see your texts at a glance, having a Smartwatch makes for a practical gift all the way around! Don’t forget to confirm what type of phone they have: Apple or Android! Bonus Gift: Add on some stretchy, fabric watchbands in their favorite color. No buckles mean nothing to catch on your children’s precious skin!
5. Food Delivery Gift Card
You know how sometimes you’re too tired to make dinner after a long day of caring for your children? You can bet your nanny feels the same way, too! Help make their evenings a little easier with a generous Uber Eats or Door Dash Gift Card. Bonus Tip: Gift them a card to their favorite food pit stop on their way home from work. This little gesture will let your nanny know that you pay attention to the little things.
6. Luxury Bathrobe or Pajama Set
If your nanny has mentioned that when they get home, it’s “pajama-thirty”—then THIS may be the gift for them. Your nanny loves their pajamas and can’t wait to get into them. Help them unwind after a long day with a plush bathrobe or a high-quality pajama set…something they wouldn’t buy for themselves. Plain Jane has a line of simple, soft pajamas and robes, while Pact carries affordable, sustainable and size-inclusive styles (also soft and comfy). If your nanny prefers silk, the sky’s the limit with brands like La Perla and Lunya.
7. Beautiful 18-Month Planner
For the organized nanny who loves keeping track of schedules, appointments, and to-do lists, a beautiful, even personalized, planner from Papier or a local stationary store can be a thoughtful and practical gift. Bonus Gift: A set of personalized pens!
8. Gift Card to a Favorite Restaurant or Experience
Treat your nanny to a night out at their favorite restaurant or offer an experience they’ll never forget. Gift cards to local restaurants that, when you talk about the food there their eyes widen and maybe glaze over, or dining spots that they’ve always wanted to try. Another option in lieu of a “food gift” is an “experience gift” like a class they’ve had their eye on or concert tickets or tickets to a sporting event that they wouldn’t go to otherwise. These are all memorable ways to say thank you.
9. Gift Certificate to a High-End Salon
Pamper your nanny with a gift certificate to a top-tier salon for a haircut, color treatment, or manicure. It’s a small luxury that can go a long way in helping them feel refreshed, rejuvenated and with a renewed sense of “sass”.
10. A Night Away
If you really want to spoil your nanny, consider gifting them an overnight or even a weekend getaway or staycation at a nearby boutique hotel or Airbnb. Whether it’s a peaceful retreat in nature or a fun city escape, this gift will give them the chance to recharge and come back to work rested and ready to run around with your little ones. Bonus Gift: Sit down with your nanny and actually schedule their time off to use this special gift. EXTRA Bonus Gift: Offer to give them extra paid days off work to utilize this gift.
BONUS GIFT IDEA:
If you’re short on time or your nanny just doesn’t fit any of these ideas, a gift of cash is always appreciated.
Most importantly, whether something luxurious or meaningful, these gift ideas for nannies should leave them feeling recognized and valued for the incredible role they play in your family’s life. These gifts are just one way to say “thank you” to the person who loves and nurtures your little ones day after day.
AND OUR FINAL TIP: ALWAYS accompany any gift with a handwritten card expressing your heartfelt gratitude…maybe even some flowers or candy (if they’re candy eaters). Sometimes, the most meaningful part of a gift is the words that accompany it.
